Orthopedic pillow: how to choose the right one and use it correctly. Orthopedic pillow for babies: needed or not, use for torticollis, all the pros and cons How should an orthopedic pillow lie

Human well-being and health in general largely depend on the quality of sleep, so the conditions in which we sleep play an important role in our life: indoor air, the right mattress and pillow. Today, doctors pay special attention to the pillow, and orthopedic pillows are advised to use not only those who suffer from, but also people with a healthy spine.

This article will discuss in detail the basic rules for choosing orthopedic pillows for sleeping, recommendations for proper sleep on them, the choice of material for these pillows, and much more.

In order to correctly distinguish a regular pillow from an orthopedic one, you should know the following:

Orthopedic pillows, as a rule, have an unusual shape. They can be square, round, or even completely irregular in shape, unlike regular pillows, which can be either rectangular or square.
In order not to make a mistake in choosing, you should also pay attention to its material, since it is he who plays the main role in this matter. If it is filled with foam rubber, down or synthetic winterizer, then such a pillow is probably ordinary. But if the filler in it is an unusual, slightly hard or crumbly material, then this is definitely an orthopedic roller.

You should also pay attention to its inscriptions and symbols. A conscientious manufacturer must report what kind of product he has and what it is intended for.

How to sleep

In order for the orthopedic support under the head and neck to really bring the expected benefits from it, you need to know the following rules for its use:

It should support the neck more than the head itself, because this will ensure the correct position of the spine, which means healthy sleep. At first, sleeping on it can be extremely uncomfortable, and this is completely normal, because with a long sleep on too high rollers, a person gets used to it. But, as a rule, after a week, the neck and head fully adapt to the new sleeping device, so that the person does not even notice the inconvenience.
Usually, specialized pillows have two rollers and different heights. So, you need to put it depending on the position in which the person sleeps. If he sleeps on his back, then a soft base should be placed with a smaller roller under his head. If he sleeps on his side, then vice versa, with a large roller. Thus, it will fill the space between the shoulder and the head, preventing the neck from bending down, which will significantly improve the quality of sleep and human health.

What are sleep pillows

Specialized sleep aids come in single-roller, double-roller, and flat sleepers. They can also be of a classic shape and with a body-remembering effect.

Orthopedic pillows for sleeping on your side. For those people who mostly sleep on their side, it is best to purchase pillows with uneven bolsters.
Orthopedic pillows for sleeping on the back. For those who like to sleep on their backs, it is recommended to use rigid rollers of a classic shape with a height of eight centimeters.
Orthopedic pillows for sleeping on the stomach. If a person sleeps on his stomach (which is very harmful), then in this case a very soft small orthopedic roller will suit him.

Criterias of choice

There are the following criteria by which you need to choose pillows:

The size. As a rule, their length varies between 40-80 cm. The width is from 30 to 50 cm. The size should be selected depending on the position in the dream. If a person rolls a lot from side to side, then he needs a wider pad. If he sleeps quietly on his back or stomach, then a small pillow will be quite enough for him.
Height. The most optimal height of orthopedic pillows is considered to be from 10 to 15 cm. Higher head bases should be used for those people who prefer to sleep on their side. Low foundations under the head should be used for those who sleep on their stomach or back.
Colour. Even this factor plays an important role, since the first impression of a person when he wakes up depends on the color. It is preferable to use pillows in soft light colors (white, cream, beige).

The material inside the orthopedic pillow: the pros and cons of fillers

Orthopedic bases for the head are made of different materials (fillers):

1. Latex. It has such advantages:

soft products made from it are comfortable and easily adapt to a lying person;
they quickly return to their original form;
dust mites do not start in this material;
they are easy to wash.

The disadvantages of latex material can be called the fact that the body sweats on them.

2. Polyester. This material has the following advantages of its use:

when a person tosses and turns, the pillow has time to take on a new shape of the body;
easily restores its original shape;
if the polyester roller is too high, then it can be reduced without problems by pouring a little filler;
low price and long service lines;
ease of washing.

The downside is that not so many pillows are produced from polyester, which have different shapes. Also, they can be uncomfortable to sleep on.

3. Buckwheat husk has such advantages as a filler:

it is environmentally friendly;
has good orthopedic properties;
has a buckwheat flavor;

Cons of this filler:

it can not be washed, only dried;
fungus may appear in it, from which an unpleasant odor will arise.

Pillows made of buckwheat husks are breathable, thanks to which the head does not sweat on them, and also has a massage effect due to the triangular shape of the husk.

4. Viscoelastic foam- This is the most expensive material for pillows. It has such advantages:

dust mites do not start in it;
he serves for a long time;
it takes the shape of the head, so it supports it as efficiently as possible;
when a person gets up, he knocks himself back into shape;
has a comfortable temperature regardless of whether it is cold or hot in the room.

The disadvantage of this material is the high cost.

5. Gel. This is a new material that has the following advantages:

Great for both sleeping on your stomach and sleeping on your side.
has different forms;
very convenient.

Its disadvantages include the high cost and somewhat unusual sensations during the first use of such pillows.

Orthopedic pillows with memory effect have become very popular recently, you can learn more about them from.

Blitz tips:

if the neck hurts in the morning, and the shoulders are like wooden, then the device used to support the head is very low, and the mattress is excessively hard;
if a person often tosses and turns, then it is possible that his pillow is too high;
the wider the shoulders, the higher the support under the head should be used;
it is best to buy these sleep aids in special salons or stores that sell quality goods;
when choosing pillows, it is recommended to lie down on it a little to see if it is comfortable;

See also a video on how to choose the right orthopedic pillow:

Now they are reading.

Ordinary pillows made of fluff and feathers are a thing of the distant past. Nowadays, modern bedroom accessories with artificial fillers are more popular.

In order for sleep to be beneficial, you must follow the rules for using this device:

You can't sleep on your stomach. With this posture, the neck forms an unnatural bend that affects the evenness of the vertebral region. When posing on the stomach, it is better to put a small blanket under the head.
The height of the pillows should correspond to the width of the shoulders. It is better for people with broad shoulders to use voluminous bedding, and for people of a fragile physique, thinner ones.
Put only your head on the pillow. For this fit rectangular bedding. They should be above the shoulders, can be moved to the head or folded in half.
Do not raise your head high during sleep. No need to put bulky bedding under your back and head.

Consider how to sleep on an orthopedic pillow in order to get a pleasant feeling and a healthy sleep:

On the back. For this position, it is necessary to choose a low, medium-hard bedding measuring 40 by 60 cm. It will allow you to completely relax your shoulders, neck and head, and the spinal column will take its natural position.
On the stomach. Use a low, soft pillow. But great importance should be given to the location of the hands in a dream. When putting your hands under your head, it is better to use a product of a lower height.
On the side. In this position, high and firm products are chosen to support the head, neck and shoulders and create a natural position of the spine.

Important! A crescent-shaped pillow should be used by those who rarely change their position during sleep.

Which pillow will be better for a person to sleep on depends on his habits, capabilities and desires. But the main thing to consider is that its high part must be placed in the cervical region and the shoulders should not be located on it.

It is harmful to use a conventional sleep product for cervical osteochondrosis. With such a rest, the location of the neck is parallel to the head, which leads to displacement of the vertebrae and impaired cerebral circulation.

People suffering from this disease, after a night's sleep, wake up with pain in the neck and back. It is better to use a rectangular orthopedic product with a dense roller that is not located on the edge of the pillow.

The neck will take the correct position, the muscles will relax. And the blood will flow freely to the brain.

Is sleeping without a pillow good or bad?

Is it good to sleep without a pillow? Its absence can disrupt proper sleep. During rest, a person should have proper breathing and metabolism should not be disturbed. This can be accompanied by a good sleep on the right product.

What is fraught with sleep without a pillow:

Appearance deteriorates. Due to the disturbed outflow of blood to the head, swelling appears on the face.
Snoring appears.
Osteochondrosis develops.
The flow of blood to the brain is interrupted.
The chemical processes in the body slow down.
The cervical artery is bent.
Ischemic stroke may occur.

Sleeping without pillows is not only uncomfortable, but also harmful. The only category of people who do not need this device are newborn babies.

How to sleep pregnant?

For pregnant women, a special sleep pillow is created, which is a large device in the shape of a long banana, which helps to sit comfortably and relax the muscles during sleep. You need to rest on it correctly so as not to harm the baby.

To do this, you need to follow some tips:

You need to choose bedding so that its length is from the floor to the woman’s chest. Smaller sizes are not recommended.
In the position on the side, you need to put part of the product under the stomach, and clamp the extreme part with your knees. This arrangement will support the stomach and comfortable position of the legs. The upper part can be placed under the chest and cervical region and hugged with your arms.
In a sitting or semi-sitting position, put the product under the lumbar spine, thereby removing the load from it. When wrapping a pillow around the waist, you can relax and fall asleep without fear of numbness of the upper limbs.
A regular rolled blanket or oversized blanket can replace a maternity pillow. When using it, it is necessary to prevent coups on the back.
The filler of maternity bedding does not affect their benefits. The most important thing is correct use.

Important! A pregnant woman should not sleep on her back and stomach. This can harm the development of the child. Therefore, it is better to choose the position on the side, changing it alternately during the entire duration of sleep.

The pregnancy pillow can also be used after the baby is born. All family members can continue to sleep on it, and it is also conveniently used when feeding a child.

When can a baby sleep on a pillow?

At what age do babies sleep on a pillow? It is not recommended to use a pillow until the child is one year old. To find out when a child can sleep on a pillow, you must first understand why this bedding cannot be used for sleeping a baby.

During sleep, the child is not able to exercise control over his movements and, when turning over, can bury his nose and mouth in the bedding and suffocate.

Even the use of such a bedding for up to a year can provoke a curvature of the spine and cause an allergy to artificial material fillers.

Therefore, from how much a child can sleep on a pillow, each parent will decide on their own, observing the behavior of their baby.

If the child prefers to sleep on his stomach, you need to slightly raise the mattress in the head area. If the baby often spit up, you can use a pillow that fixes the lateral position.

In the case when parents cannot determine whether the child needs a pillow, it is necessary to monitor the baby during sleep and ask for advice on the correct choice of bedding from a pediatrician.

Orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis

With cervical osteochondrosis, one of its serious consequences are:

development
formation of salt deposits ( osteophytes)
stenosis spinal canal
impaired blood supply to the brain

These phenomena occur when cervical osteochondrosis has already gone far.

Now let's imagine what will happen if, with such symptoms, the neck has an incorrect position during sleep. Sleep is dangerous because at this time we do not control ourselves. On a soft pillow, the neck arches backward and occlusion of the vertebral artery can occur, most often at the base of the skull. Constant compression of this main blood vessel leads to:

At best, to cerebral ischemia
At worst, to stroke

There are frequent cases of death in a dream with stenosis of the intervertebral canal caused by late cervical osteochondrosis.

With cervical osteochondrosis, as with no other disease, it is important to have an anatomically correct position of the neck during sleep.

That is why it is important that your headboard has not an ordinary, but an orthopedic remedy.

This photo diagram explains how to set the correct position of the head and neck:

Of course, an orthopedic pillow is used not only to prevent sudden death, but also to:

Prevention of cervical osteochondrosis
Normal healthy, restful sleep

Previously, it was believed that the best way out for problems with the neck is to sleep without a pillow at all. However, try to sleep like this for at least one night - and you will wake up with pain in your shoulders, neck and occipital muscles. Such a dream is uncomfortable and leads to great muscle tension.

When using an orthopedic pillow-girlfriend, you will wake up in a good mood and well-being, which means one thing: you slept just fine

“Girlfriend” therefore helps with cervical osteochondrosis, which

Supports the neck, as a result of which its muscles are unloaded and rest
This position is anatomically correct as it preserves the natural cervical lordosis and prevents arterial occlusion as the head line is parallel to the bed.

What distinguishes an orthopedic pillow from a regular one?

The standard orthopedic has the shape of a rectangle, usually 40 × 60 or 60 × 80 in size.

On the edge of the pillow there are one or two rollers, which should be under the neck, ensuring its correct position.

Filling material for it is used non-standard. Instead of down, feathers or synthetic winterizer, it is filled with shape-memory material:

viscoelastic
latex foam

Remembering the shape leads to the fact that the orthopedic pillow itself adjusts to all your anatomical features

Photo illustration of the memory effect:

This material has holes, thanks to which good ventilation is carried out, and it is comfortable to sleep on the pillow even in the strongest summer heat.

The sleeping aid comes with a cover that can be replaced with a simple pillowcase.

When using a pillow, do not forget that the shoulders should not be on it: its lower edge should be adjacent to the line of the shoulder.

Choosing an orthopedic bed

How to choose the right orthopedic pillow?

Since many people prefer to sleep on their side, the height of the pillow in this case must be selected based on the distance from the extreme point of the shoulder to the base of the neck. This also takes into account the deflection of the mattress under the shoulder.
For broad-shouldered people, high products may be needed, but if you cannot find the right size (the standard height is in the range from 8 to 14 cm), then you can find a way out by placing a sheet or towel folded in several layers under the pillow and thus covering the missing centimeters
If you are used to sleeping on your back, choose a firmer sleeping aid with a roll height of no more than 10 cm.

What happens when you make the wrong choice

These signs indicate that the pillow is too low:

Waking up in the morning with stiff shoulders and neck pain
Put your hand under your head while you sleep

Signs of too high a pillow:

Constantly tossing and turning from side to side
In the morning - heaviness in the head

If the sleep is restless and the person changes position too often, this may indicate a too hard mattress.

It would be nice to change the mattress to an orthopedic one, although this is an expensive pleasure.

The choice of medical pillows today is simply huge.:

They are of the most diverse shapes and designs of rollers.
There are pillows for sleeping on your stomach
In the photo, the novelty is a universal star-shaped pillow that can be used for sleeping on your stomach:

With notch for the shoulder - for lovers of sleep on the side
Travel collar

In the photo - pillow collar:

Children's orthopedic, etc.

When buying this wonderful “girlfriend” for your sleep, be aware of the tricks of manufacturers who often imitate the familiar shape of the product, passing it off as orthopedic. However, it is very easy to expose unscrupulous entrepreneurs.

Everyone knows that an orthopedic pillow is several times more useful than a regular down, feather, sintepon or silicone pillow. However, many do not dare to purchase it, and some, after the purchase, do not know how to use it correctly. Today we will tell you how to sleep on an orthopedic pillow. Following our advice, your sleep will bring maximum benefit and pleasure to your own health.

How to sleep on an orthopedic pillow? Photo of the correct and convenient location.

Surely, everyone knows that an uncomfortable sleeping position at night usually causes muscle pain (mainly in the neck) and general poor health. As a result, health deteriorates, and even the quality of life. If you try to create the most correct and comfortable conditions for sleeping, an orthopedic pillow by itself will not teach you how to sleep properly. Initially, you need to deal with some points.

First, understand for yourself the fact that the purpose of the pillow is to support the neck, not the head. This rule is the main one, so always follow it.

It is necessary to pay attention to what shape the orthopedic pillow has, since high-quality and good products often have two sides: high and low. To determine the position of the pillow, understand that its main purpose is to ensure the correct position of the neck and head. Only if this condition is met, we can talk about the anatomical, correct position of the human spine, that is, about healthy sleep.

The orthopedic pillow consists of two rollers having different heights. The position of the pillow will depend on the night position of the person. If he sleeps on his back, then a smaller roller should be placed under his head, but if on his side, then a large one. The pillow will fill the free space between the head and shoulder, while the neck will not sag, and the head will not fall or rise.

A few practical tips on which pillow is better to sleep on with cervical osteochondrosis.

For many adults, cervical osteochondrosis is a real "scourge". Often, such a disease manifests itself as a result of improper functioning of the spine, an inactive lifestyle, prolonged sedentary work and certain muscle changes that occur with age. Today's modern medicine offers to effectively and reliably treat cervical osteochondrosis using manual therapy, electrophoresis or hirudotherapy. But, an important role in the treatment of this disease is played by the correct choice of pillow.

Many are interested in the question: "Is it possible to sleep without a pillow with cervical osteochondrosis?". In principle, there are experts who advise sleeping without a pillow, however, they are fundamentally wrong, because it is due to the pillow that the general relaxation of the human body is ensured, since it supports the cervical spine. With this disease, it is best to sleep on a small and soft pillow. Its size should correspond to the size of the shoulders of the sleeper, for example, if the shoulders are wide, then the pillow should be selected high. And its width should not exceed the width of the mattress.

An ordinary pillow is not suitable for the treatment of cervical osteochondrosis, because during sleep, the person’s neck will actually be located on the same level with the head, that is, the vertebrae will be displaced, as a result, cerebral blood supply will be disturbed. Because of this, people suffering from osteochondrosis often wake up in the morning with severe pain in the back and neck, in addition, their tongue and larynx become numb. The shape of the orthopedic pillow in this disease should be rectangular, while the design of the product should include a dense roller. The dimensions of this roller should correspond to the size of the patient's shoulders, they should not be on the edge of the pillow.

The neck on the orthopedic pillow will take the correct position, the spinal muscles will unload, and the blood vessels that go to the brain will not be squeezed. With osteochondrosis, you can use pillows with one roller, with two half-rollers, or with special recesses designed for the neck.

Video. Sleep, but not sleep - an orthopedic pillow will help solve the problem

Features of cervical osteochondrosis

A disease of the spine in this section is very dangerous, as it can cause malfunctions in the functioning of many body systems and even disturbances in the functioning of the brain.

This is because the vertebrae in the neck are very close, and the muscles are rather weak. And even a slight load can lead to displacement and compression of the nerves and blood vessels. Therefore, an orthopedic pillow for the cervical region is so important. Indeed, it is precisely with an incorrect body position in sleep that can occur. And in the complex of measures aimed at treating this disease, it is very important to ensure maximum muscle relaxation during rest.

How to sleep

When resting, the muscles of the neck, shoulders and back must be relaxed. It is necessary to provide the spine with high-quality support during sleep, especially for the cervical region. An incorrect position of the head during rest contributes to the curvature of the vertebrae, deterioration in the quality of sleep and exacerbation of osteochondrosis. What rules should be followed in order not to feel overwhelmed and tired in the morning?

The bed should be hard and even, you can not sleep on folding beds and armored nets.

It is better to choose a mattress that is elastic, but not soft, which will repeat the anatomical curves of the body. It is not recommended to use down duvets for sleeping.

An orthopedic pillow is best for relaxing.

Resting position for osteochondrosis

It is also very important in what position a person sleeps. All doctors recommend to patients with osteochondrosis only a pose on the side or on the back. Moreover, there are special recommendations in these provisions. For example, when a person lies on his back with his legs stretched out, he cannot fully relax. And in the supine position on your side, you need to choose the right pillow. The best position for a normal rest is In this case, the shoulder rests on the mattress, and a small pillow should be placed under the head.

Doctors do not recommend sleeping on your stomach, especially for those who have problems with it. After all, it is in this position that the neck is tense, there is a high risk of displacement of the vertebrae. Therefore, it is best to sleep on your back or on your side, and a special orthopedic pillow will help you relax normally. With cervical osteochondrosis, the reviews of doctors and patients note the disappearance of pain and an improvement in the quality of sleep.

What should be the pillow

Not only healthy rest, but also well-being and mood during the day depend on the quality of this sleep accessory. And people who already have problems with the spine need an orthopedic pillow. Cervical osteochondrosis is an ailment that affects an increasing number of people and prevents them from sleeping normally. But the right pillow, according to doctors, improves the quality of sleep. When choosing this accessory, you need to pay attention to the following features:

It should be small, and the width should correspond to the size of the shoulders.

At least one hard roller should have an orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis. Reviews of doctors note that it is best that it be rectangular, with two rollers along the edges and a recess in the middle for the head. Although some people prefer to advise their patients on a crescent-shaped pillow.

In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to individual characteristics. If the pillow causes discomfort and is uncomfortable on it, it is better to refuse it.

What are orthopedic pillows

The crescent-shaped pillow will gently support your neck when sleeping on your back. It should not be very rigid, but it should hold its shape well. This is a fairly common orthopedic pillow. The photo on the package shows how you can use it during sleep, a long trip or when sitting in a chair for a long time. This form effectively helps the neck muscles to relax.

But most often, patients with cervical osteochondrosis choose a rectangular pillow. You can sleep on it on your back and on your side. Such a pillow should have a recess in the middle for the head and hard ridges along the edges. You just need to choose the right height. To do this, measure the width of the shoulder. For an ordinary person, this is 10-12 centimeters.

How to understand that the pillow is chosen correctly

Doctors recommend trying to lie on it before buying. But this is not always possible. And it often happens that people complain that the pillow did not help them, it is uncomfortable to sleep on it, the pain did not go away, it only got worse. Indeed, this happens, and in order to choose a pillow that is really suitable for a particular person, you need to try many options. Some even buy a few pieces and change as needed. For example, it is desirable to have one pillow for sleeping on the back, another for sleeping on the side. At the same time, the shoulders should remain on the mattress, and the roller should support only the neck, contributing to its complete relaxation. How to understand that the pillow is chosen correctly?

During sleep, a person does not put his hand under the pillow.

After resting on such a pillow, you do not want to use the usual one, the sleep is sound, and after waking up, the person feels rested.

If your neck and stoves hurt after sleeping, then the pillow is low and the mattress is too hard.

Headaches in the morning or at night indicate that this sleep accessory is too high.

Fillers for orthopedic pillows

1. Buckwheat husk is a natural product. A pillow with such filling will not only repeat the shape of the head well, but will also produce a massaging effect.

2. Latex is a hypoallergenic material with antiseptic properties. Such orthopedic pillows for cervical osteochondrosis are the most common, as they are elastic and keep their shape well.

3. Another material popular for orthopedic pillows is polyurethane. It passes air well and easily takes on the shape of the body, quickly recovering later.

4. Memory foam pillows can be made from expensive durable foam or cheaper viscolatex. They remember the shape of the body, which allows you to support your head well and relax your neck. This is the most comfortable orthopedic pillow. The photo on the packaging shows how it takes the shape of the body, and straightens out after a while.

5. So far, cooling gel pillows are less popular. Not everyone can get used to such an effect. Although they not only support the head, but also contribute to skin rejuvenation and more comfortable sleep.

Which pillow to choose

There are many different models in stores. In addition to the fact that you need to choose a pillow, focusing on the individual characteristics of the body, most consumers do not know anything about them. And they differ in form, material and price. Many who have already used such an accessory for sleeping believe that buying a pillow for less than three thousand is throwing money away. Really high-quality products cost from 3,500 to 10,000 rubles and more. Moreover, Russian pillows are cheaper, but no less effective. Many doctors recommend using Axona products or those made according to the method of Valentin Dikul. Pillows of various shapes and fillings from any manufacturer can be conditionally classified as follows:

- "Mediflex" - a convex elastic pillow filled with small latex springs, ideally taking the shape of the body.

- "Sissel" - pillows with memory effect. They have a different shape, but mostly with one or two rollers.

Pillows "TOP" are especially popular among doctors and patients. They can be with a memory effect or with a ribbed surface, straight or with two rollers and a recess for the head. This is the best orthopedic pillow for cervical osteochondrosis.

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